Phase-field Modeling of Brittle Failure in Rockslides

In this paper, we use a phase-field model with the mixed-mode fracture driving forces to study the brittle failure in rockslides. Our phase-field model is capable of predicting the crack initiation, propagation, and coalescence in rock/rock-like materials under different loading conditions. The phase-field model is validated against the experimental data in uniaxial compression tests.We proceed to simulate the brittle failure in rock slopes with three representative discontinuous structures, i.e., en-echelon joints, locking sections, and randomly distributed fissures. The numerical model provides insights into the failure mechanism of rockslides.